On August 14, 2011, my uncle and aunt, Dr. Vicente and Luz Saavedra and the Rotary Club of Iligan South provided food packages of rice, sugar and other essential food items to over 130 needy Filipino Muslim families in Iligan City, Philippines. For the third year in the row, the Zakat Foundation of America has partnered with the Bayanihan Foundation and sponsored these food packages providing food relief to over 650 men, women and children during the holy month of Ramadan. The Zakat Foundation of America, is an international charity organization that helps generous and caring people reach out to those in need.

Iligan City (highlighted in red) in the southern island of Mindanao, Philippines

My uncle Vic and aunt Luz, members of the Rotary Club of Iligan South volunteered and helped distribute food packages containing rice, sardines, eggs, powdered milk, soap, pencils and paper for the children.

Uncle Vic, Aunt Luz and the many members of the Rotary Club of Iligan South volunteered many hours shopping, packaging and distributing over 130 gift packs for Filipino Muslim families that live at or below poverty in Mindanao. They plan to distribute the food packages to different villages and more remote areas around Iligan City. Many families in the area have anticipated these food packages since they have grown in popularity over the years (see earlier post on food packages in 2010).

I agree that these food packages will not solve the deep divide between Christians and Muslims in the island of Mindanao nor heal the deep wounds that are hindering peace in the island. However, I’m hopeful that these food packages are a small step to healing and that Filipino Christians giving packages to needy Filipino Muslims is moving us closer to peace.